Judge Suzana Hussain imposed the fine on SS Vijaya Kumar, 47, after he pleaded guilty to an alternative charge with using as genuine a forged document for the Tamil Schools Post-Covid-19 Assistance (TAS-Covid) programme.

Vijaya Kumar, who is now an independent consultant, was accused of using a forged MIDF payment voucher dated Nov 24, 2020, amounting to RM75,000 for the supply of hand sanitisers, which he had reason to believe was false.

The offence was committed at Mitra at the national unity ministry in Putrajaya on July 2, 2021.

He was charged under Section 471 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to two years or a fine or both, upon conviction.

In mitigation, Vijaya Kumar, who was unrepresented, said he regretted his action and had cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission when he was under remand for six days.

“There was no financial transactions from the Mitra programme into my account and I have resigned from all positions at MIDF,” he said.

“Now, I work as an independent consultant and my income is not stable.”

Deputy public prosecutor A Kalaivani prosecuted.